Cost – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:28:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.8 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Cost – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Dogecoin Price just broke local highs for the first time this year. Why 300% meetings cost $1 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dogecoin-price-just-broke-local-highs-for-the-first-time-this-year-why-300-meetings-cost-1/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dogecoin-price-just-broke-local-highs-for-the-first-time-this-year-why-300-meetings-cost-1/#respond Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:28:41 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dogecoin-price-just-broke-local-highs-for-the-first-time-this-year-why-300-meetings-cost-1/

Crypto analyst XForce revealed that Dogecoin Price It beats local highs following a $0.3 level of landfill. In line with this, he predicted that the meme coins could gather at the new All-Time High (ATH) and reach one psychological level.

Dogecoin Price Eyes 300% Rally to $1, breaking beyond local highs

in xPostXforce predicted that Dogecoin’s priced rallies can be recorded at a psychological level of one level. This came just as he noticed that Doge just broke on Previous Regional High After climbing over $0.3 on the weekend. Based on this, analysts declared that one dollar is still programmed for meme coins.

Related readings

Xforce admitted there’s a pullback along the way, but expects Dogecoin’s price to reach this one level in the end. Analysts also turned their attention to alternative ideas that could lead Doge to double-digit prices if continued as a strong impulse. His accompanying chart showed it Meme coins may be collected Up to $18.

Dogecoin
Source: XForce Chart X

Dogecoin prices rose over the weekend Rex-Soprey Doge ETFthis will be the first fund to provide institutional investors with exposure to first meme coins. It offers a bullish outlook for Memecoin and believes it can inject new fluidity into its ecosystem.

Additionally, the Fed plans to cut this week’s first rate this year. FOMC Meetingwhich could also be bullish on Dogecoin’s price as it increases risk-on sentiment. During this recent rally, Crypto analysts Mikybull Crypto has also been declared Meme coins reach $1 in this cycle. Meanwhile, Crypto analysts Ali Martinez pointed out That Doge can raise the next leg to $0.45 before integrating a bit around these levels.

Analysts issue Doge warnings

in xPostCrypto analyst Credibull Crypto issued a warning about Dogecoin prices, noting that it is currently in monthly supply. He said it more The doge has not eruptedthen technically, just retest the previous failure point.

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Credibull Crypto has been bullish on the Dogecoin price and said that the best time to jump into Longs is before this recent rally. Now he believes this is the time to be more cautious as it is the place where Doge is most likely to face rejection. Record the lower rank If the bottom is not yet in place. It could also cause memecoin to crash if Fed rate reductions and Doge ETF launches turn out to be “selling news” events.

At the time of writing, Dogecoin’s price is trading at around $0.28, down more than 2% over the past 24 hours. data From CoinMarketCap.

Dogecoin
Doge Trading for $0.25 on 1D Chart | Source: dogeusdt on tradingView.com

ISTOCK featured images, charts on tradingView.com

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Phishing scams cost users over $12M in August — Here's how to stay safe https://earlybirdsinvest.com/phishing-scams-cost-users-over-12m-in-august-heres-how-to-stay-safe/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/phishing-scams-cost-users-over-12m-in-august-heres-how-to-stay-safe/#respond Sat, 06 Sep 2025 21:26:37 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/phishing-scams-cost-users-over-12m-in-august-heres-how-to-stay-safe/

Phishing scams, attacks disguised as legitimate communication or websites designed to steal funds and sensitive information, cost crypto users over $12 million in August, up 72% from July, Web3 anti-scam service Scam Sniffer reported on Saturday.

Crypto phishing scams impacted 15,230 victims in August, a 67% increase from July, with the single largest loss costing one user over $3 million, according to Scam Sniffer.

The Scam Sniffer team also noted a “sharp escalation” in EIP-7702 signature scams. EIP-7702 is an Ethereum improvement proposal that allows Externally Owned Accounts to act as smart contract wallets that can execute transactions and shift funds.

Phishing, Cybersecurity, Scams
August 2025 phishing attack numbers. Source: Scam Sniffer

Scammers and hackers exploiting this functionality drained over $5.6 million in August through three separate attacks, Scam Sniffer said.

Scams and cybersecurity exploits continue to be a problem in crypto, with over $163 million stolen in August through malicious activity. The persistent threat is a reminder for crypto users to remain vigilant and practice good anti-phishing and anti-scam security measures.

Related: Venus Protocol recovers user’s $13.5M stolen in phishing attack

Good practices for staying safe against phishing scams

Losses from crypto hacks and scams crossed $3.1 billion in the first half of 2025 amid increasingly sophisticated attack methods.

Scammers often target users by posing as legitimate and well-known cryptocurrency exchanges, either setting up fake websites with similar URL addresses to legitimate exchanges or sending fake communications to users.

These communications include emails, text messages, and even physical letters sent through the mail, designed to steal sensitive user information, including seed phrases for crypto wallets and passwords to online accounts. 

Typically, the scammers will pretend to be customer service agents from reputable exchanges, claiming that the user’s account is facing some sort of threat or cybersecurity issue and demand personal information from the user, including seed phrases.

Good practices to avoid phishing scams include checking URLs for tiny mistakes and bookmarking pages instead of using search engines or the search bar to access websites every time, verifying website links, and avoiding downloading attachments or clicking links from unknown sources. 

Phishing scams often contain misspelled words or grammatical errors, and any of these mistakes is a red flag; users should read through messages carefully to detect such errors.

Crypto and Web3 users should also use virtual private networks (VPNs) to mask their IP addresses and physical locations, never give out seed phrases or passwords, and enable two-factor authentication for sensitive online accounts.

Magazine: $55M DeFi Saver phish, copy2pwn hijacks your clipboard: Crypto Sec

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/phishing-scams-cost-users-over-12m-in-august-heres-how-to-stay-safe/feed/ 0 57113 Bitcoin finds support on a short-term holder cost basis, how long does it last? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-finds-support-on-a-short-term-holder-cost-basis-how-long-does-it-last/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-finds-support-on-a-short-term-holder-cost-basis-how-long-does-it-last/#respond Tue, 02 Sep 2025 03:10:26 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-finds-support-on-a-short-term-holder-cost-basis-how-long-does-it-last/ Bitcoin has seen rebounds since retesting the realized prices of short-term holders.

Bitcoin short-term holders have made it possible for prices to act as support

As Cryptoquant author IT Tech explained in X Post, Bitcoin found support by achieving short-term holder prices during the latest DIP. The “realized price” here refers to an on-chain indicator that measures the cost base of the average investor on the BTC network.

If the cryptocurrency price exceeds this metric, it means that the entire holder is in a state of net unrealized profit. On the other hand, being under the indicator means that the entire market is red.

In the context of the current topic, realised prices for only certain segments of investors are interesting. Short term holder (STH). This cohort includes holders who have purchased coins within the last 155 days.

STHS supplements one of the two main sectors of the Bitcoin market, which was made based on holding time, with the other side known as the Long Term Holder (LTHS).

What makes these groups different is that investors in the former tend to be weaker hands who move in panic every time volatility appears in the sector, while members of the latter exhibit high conviction behavior.

For any investor, their cost base is at a critical level and STH is particularly whimsical, so when realised prices are retested, they usually have some kind of response. This has led to the price of assets that have observed various interactions with this metric in the past.

As the chart below shared by analysts suggests, one such interaction may have occurred in the past day.

Bitcoin Sth has made the price come true

As shown in the graph above, Bitcoin Sth now achieves around $107,500. In BTC’s latest DIP, its price went slightly under this mark, but it turns out to be a high rebound.

Generally, STH buys to adhere to their cost standards if the emotions between them are bullish. At such times, they believe that the price of their damaged mark will be an opportunity to “buy dip”

Given the fact that the assets could find support at the realised price of STH, it appears that STH still thinks the bullish regime is on. That said, Bitcoin has only seen a small rebound so far, so it remains to be seen whether its assets are above the level or if there will be another retest.

In a scenario where metric breakdowns occur, cryptocurrencies could face a shift towards a short-term bearish trend that took place in February this year.

BTC price

At the time of writing, Bitcoin has dropped by 2% to around $109,200 over the past seven days.

Bitcoin Price Chart

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Gen Z Hides AI Use at Work, Fearing It Will Cost Them Their Jobs https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gen-z-hides-ai-use-at-work-fearing-it-will-cost-them-their-jobs/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gen-z-hides-ai-use-at-work-fearing-it-will-cost-them-their-jobs/#respond Mon, 11 Aug 2025 22:53:25 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gen-z-hides-ai-use-at-work-fearing-it-will-cost-them-their-jobs/

A recent report from Cox Business reveals that younger employees are quietly using artificial intelligence (AI) at work, often without telling their managers.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 millennial and Gen Z workers in the US, found that nearly half of them rely on artificial intelligence to help complete daily tasks.

These include summarizing meeting notes, drafting ideas, analyzing data, generating reports, and writing or debugging code. However, 47% admitted they hesitate to share how much they depend on AI, mainly because they worry it could put their jobs at risk.

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Another reason for the silence is a lack of clear direction. About 30% of respondents said they either do not know their company’s rules around AI or believe there are none.

The report also points out that more than 60% of younger workers use personal tools and apps for work instead of sticking with the ones officially approved by their company.

At the same time, nearly 70% said they are overwhelmed by all the tech they are expected to use, while just 16% feel they have any real say in how those tools are chosen.

Jeff Breaux, executive vice president at Cox Communications, said the findings offer businesses insight into how younger employees view technology in the workplace. He noted that companies have an opportunity to improve their approach to tech planning, training, and investment so that it better fits the needs of their future workforce.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk recently confirmed that Tesla has shut down its Dojo AI project. Why? Read the full story.


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Analyst Outlines How Production Cost Determines XRP Price, But Is It Better Than Bitcoin? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/analyst-outlines-how-production-cost-determines-xrp-price-but-is-it-better-than-bitcoin/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/analyst-outlines-how-production-cost-determines-xrp-price-but-is-it-better-than-bitcoin/#respond Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:26:36 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/analyst-outlines-how-production-cost-determines-xrp-price-but-is-it-better-than-bitcoin/

A fresh debate in the crypto space has emerged over whether the cost of production significantly impacts the XRP price and the value of Bitcoin (BTC). Market expert CrediBULL Crypto has outlined how these costs influence XRP’s value compared to Bitcoin, concluding that both cryptocurrencies follow the same pricing formula. 

XRP Price Formula Mirrors That Of Bitcoin

A recent discourse on X social media has reignited discussions on whether production costs play a decisive role in determining the prices of cryptocurrencies. CrediBULL Crypto weighed in, explaining that both Bitcoin and XRP follow the same fundamental pricing model, where the cost to produce, combined with speculative and utility value, determines the market price. 

Related Reading

For Bitcoin, the analyst notes that the cost to mine, taking into account energy consumption and time, represents a significant portion of BTC’s market price. This production cost forms the “X” variable in the analyst’s pricing equation, with the remainder driven by speculative demand and utility. 

In contrast, CrediBULL Crypto highlights that XRP’s production cost is negligible, arguably near zero, meaning its market price is primarily driven by demand, adoption, and other speculative factors. Whether mined or premined, the analyst asserts that the market ultimately assigns a value above the production cost based on perceived utility and shifts in investor sentiment. 

CrediBULL Crypto’s statement comes in response to a recent clash between market expert BD and Robert Breedlove, a Bitcoin maximalist. In his post, Breedlove suggested that XRP’s “100% premined” status set it apart from Bitcoin, which he asserts is a 0% premined coin. The Bitcoin maximalist also warned investors of the potential consequences of this difference, subtly implying that XRP could be a scam token

BD countered, asserting that market demand, not production method, dictates price. He further emphasized that neither mining costs nor premined supply inherently determines a cryptocurrency’s long-term value. 

Demand Dictates Long-Term Survival 

Following CrediBULL Crypto’s statement, a community member argued that premined assets, like XRP, could carry higher risks, such as large-scale sell-offs or “rug pulls,” potentially driving their value to zero. They further suggested that BTC’s mined supply structure offers more protection against such scenarios. 

CrediBULL Crypto, however, pushed back, stating that production costs do not guarantee long-term survival or resilience. He noted that demand can disappear for any asset, regardless of whether it costs $5 or $100 to produce. He added that the same principle also applies to Bitcoin and XRP, which are respectively priced at $116,601 and $3.34, at the time of writing. 

Related Reading

The analyst further pointed out that just because a commodity costs money to produce does not make it inherently valuable. Without sustained interest, even a high-cost-to-produce asset could collapse in value. To illustrate this point, the analyst compared it to investing substantial resources into digging a massive hole—a process requiring real effort but might hold no value if no one finds the hole useful.

XRP
XRP trading at $3.3 on the 1D chart | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com

Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com

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Deepfake scams cost $200M: A threat we can’t ignore https://earlybirdsinvest.com/deepfake-scams-cost-200m-a-threat-we-cant-ignore/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/deepfake-scams-cost-200m-a-threat-we-cant-ignore/#respond Sun, 03 Aug 2025 22:34:44 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/deepfake-scams-cost-200m-a-threat-we-cant-ignore/

The following is a guest post and opinion of Ken Jon Miyachi , Co-Founder of Bitmind.

According to the “Q1 2025 Deepfake Incident Report,” 163 deepfake scammers took more than $200 million from victims in the first four months of 2025. It’s not simply an issue for the rich or famous; it’s impacting regular folks just as much. Deepfake frauds are no longer a little problem.

Deepfakes used to be a fun way to make viral videos, but now criminals use them as weapons. Scammers use artificial intelligence to make phony voices, faces, and sometimes whole video calls that are so convincing they deceive consumers into giving them money or private information.

Surge in Scams

The survey says that 41% of these scams target famous people and politicians, while 34% target regular people. That means that you, your parents, or your neighbor could be next. The emotional damage is worse than the monetary damage. You feel violated, betrayed, or helpless.

For instance, in February 2024, a company lost $25 million in one scam. Using a deepfake video discussion, hackers purported to be the company’s chief financial officer and demanded wire transfers to fake accounts straight away. The worker sent the money since they thought they were doing what they were told.

It wasn’t until they called the corporate office that they realized the call was bogus. This wasn’t simply one thing that took place. Similar techniques have hurt engineering, computer, and even cybersecurity organizations. If smart people can be fooled, how can the rest of us stay safe without better defenses?

Its Impact

The technology used in these scams is quite scary. Scammers may copy someone’s voice with 85% accuracy using only a few seconds of audio, as from a YouTube video or a social media post. It’s much tougher to tell if a video is phony; 68% of individuals can’t tell the difference between fake and actual material.

Criminals search the internet for things to use to make these fakes, and they use our own posts and videos against us. Think about how a scammer may use a recording of your voice to get your family to send them money or a false video of a CEO directing a huge transfer. These things are not just science fiction; they are happening right now.

There is more damage than just money. The survey says that 32% of deepfake cases involved explicit content, and they commonly target people to humiliate or blackmail them. 23% of the crimes are financial fraud, 14% are political manipulation, and 13% are disinformation.

These scams make it hard to believe what we read and hear online. Imagine getting a call from a loved one who needed help, only to find out it was a scam. Or a fake seller who steals all of a small business owner’s money. There are more and more of these stories, and the stakes are getting higher.

So, what can we do? It begins with educating oneself. Companies can show their employees how to spot warning signs, like video conversations that seek money straight away. A fraud can be avoided by basic tests like asking someone to move their head in a certain way or answer a personal question. Companies should also limit how much high-quality media of their CEOs is available to the public and add watermarks to videos to make them harder to misuse.

Everyone’s a Target

It is really important for people to be vigilant. Be careful what you put online. Scammers can use any audio or video recording you post as a weapon. If you get an odd request, don’t do anything immediately. You can either call the person again on a number you trust or check in another method. Efforts to raise public awareness can help stop bad behaviors, especially among groups who are more prone to be affected, such as elders who may not understand the effects. Media literacy isn’t just a trendy word; it’s a shield.

Governments also have a role to play. The Resemble AI study suggests that all countries should have the same laws that define what deepfakes are and how to punish them. New U.S. laws say that social media sites have to take down explicit deepfake content within 48 hours.

First Lady Melania Trump, who has talked about how it affects young people, was one of the persons who pushed for this. But laws by themselves aren’t enough. Scammers operate in a lot of different countries, and it’s not always easy to detect them. It could be a good idea to set worldwide criteria for watermarking and content authentication, but first, IT companies and governments need to agree on them.

There isn’t much time left. By 2027, deepfakes are expected to cost the U.S. $40 billion, with a growth rate of 32% each year. In North America, these scams rose by 1,740% in 2023, and they are still rising. But we can change it.

We can fight back using smart technology—such as systems that can detect deepfakes in real time—as well as better regulations and good practices. It’s about getting back the trust we used to have in the digital world. The next time you get a video call or hear someone you know ask for money, take a big breath and check again. It’s worth it for your peace of mind, your money, and your good name.

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Bitcoin Demand Builds at $117K: Cost Basis Distribution Defines Key Support Level https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-demand-builds-at-117k-cost-basis-distribution-defines-key-support-level/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-demand-builds-at-117k-cost-basis-distribution-defines-key-support-level/#respond Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:15:47 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-demand-builds-at-117k-cost-basis-distribution-defines-key-support-level/

Bitcoin continues to consolidate between $115,000 and $120,000, with bulls maintaining control despite the lack of a breakout above $123,000. What stands out in this range-bound structure is the clear demand concentration around $117,000. According to Glassnode’s BTC Cost Basis Distribution Heatmap, this level has consistently attracted buying interest, acting as a key area where capital rotates into Bitcoin.

Related Reading

The heatmap reveals dense clusters of cost basis activity near key price levels. This reinforces its role as short-term support and a psychological anchor for bulls. As long as this zone holds, the risk of a full breakdown remains limited—even as BTC struggles to reach new highs.

However, repeated rejections near $120K and muted momentum raise concerns that upside exhaustion could eventually lead to deeper downside. If demand at $117K begins to fade, price may quickly revisit lower levels in search of fresh support. For now, though, on-chain data shows that accumulation remains healthy, and this zone could be the foundation for Bitcoin’s next attempt to reclaim the highs.

$117K Becomes Bitcoin’s Accumulation Stronghold as Market Shifts

Bitcoin’s $117,000 level has emerged as a key accumulation zone, with approximately 73,000 BTC now held at this cost basis, according to the latest data from Glassnode. This reinforces the idea that buyers continue to step in on every dip, absorbing selling pressure and stabilizing price action within the current range. The BTC Cost Basis Distribution Heatmap shows a consistent buildup of demand in this area, highlighting investor confidence around this support zone.

Bitcoin Cost Basis Distribution Heatmap | Source: Glassnode on X
Bitcoin Cost Basis Distribution Heatmap | Source: Glassnode on X

What makes this cycle particularly unique is the presence of legal clarity and accelerating institutional adoption in the US. Unlike previous cycles, where price action was often driven by retail speculation and extreme volatility, today’s structure appears more measured. Regulatory progress—especially around spot Bitcoin ETFs and clearer custody frameworks—has attracted a wave of long-term capital. This influx of institutional demand is not only stabilizing the market but also making it less reactive to short-term swings.

However, Bitcoin’s calm price action may not last much longer. As Ethereum gains momentum, driven by rising open interest and on-chain activity, capital is beginning to rotate into altcoins. Historically, such transitions have marked the end of Bitcoin-led phases and the beginning of broader market expansions. If ETH and altcoins continue to accelerate, Bitcoin’s tight trading range could break—either leading to a catch-up rally or a temporary pause as capital rotates elsewhere.

Related Reading

BTC Range Narrows As Price Holds Between Key Levels

The 8-hour chart shows Bitcoin consolidating tightly between $115,724 and $122,077, with the price currently hovering around $118,762. Despite a lack of strong momentum, the structure remains bullish as BTC holds above all major moving averages—the 50 SMA ($118,185), 100 SMA ($113,521), and 200 SMA ($109,754). This alignment signals continued trend strength, with short-term dips being supported by buyers.

BTC consolidates in tight range | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView
BTC consolidates in a tight range | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView

Volume has declined during the consolidation, a typical sign of a neutral phase where market participants await a breakout. Notably, each pullback toward the lower boundary near $115,700 has been met with strong demand, confirming this zone as key support. Meanwhile, resistance at $122,000 continues to cap bullish attempts, forming a clear range that will likely define Bitcoin’s next move.

Related Reading

If BTC can reclaim $120,000 with a strong surge in volume, a breakout toward new all-time highs above $123,000 becomes likely. Conversely, a breakdown below $115,700 could trigger a sharper correction toward the 100 SMA around $113,500. For now, all eyes remain on whether bulls can sustain pressure and flip resistance, or if sellers regain control near the top of the range. The current setup favors patient accumulation as the market prepares for its next directional move.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

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They trusted a sealed wallet from TikTok, and it cost them $6.9M https://earlybirdsinvest.com/they-trusted-a-sealed-wallet-from-tiktok-and-it-cost-them-6-9m/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/they-trusted-a-sealed-wallet-from-tiktok-and-it-cost-them-6-9m/#respond Sat, 19 Jul 2025 12:01:39 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/they-trusted-a-sealed-wallet-from-tiktok-and-it-cost-them-6-9m/

What is the TikTok hardware wallet scam?

A person who bought what looked like a “sealed, brand-new” hardware wallet advertised on the Chinese version of TikTok was a victim of a $6.9-million crypto heist, losing all their funds in minutes.

A late-night distress call to blockchain security firm SlowMist revealed one of 2025’s most devastating cryptocurrency thefts. Criminals are now exploiting the very security devices meant to protect users from online threats. It’s a sophisticated new threat in crypto fraud, and honestly, it’s a worry for many users to see hardware wallet tampering result in a multimillion-dollar criminal exploit.

SlowMist chief information security officer 23pds was the first to report the case. Unlike well-known scams using phishing emails, unsolicited messages or spoof websites, this attack hits the victim’s security at the hardware level.

SlowMist revealed one of 2025's most devastating cryptocurrency thefts

The biggest problem of all for crypto users is that there are minimal warning signs for this type of compromise until it’s too late. 

How are counterfeit hardware wallets compromised?

The victim bought what appeared to be a legitimate Ledger hardware wallet from Douyin Shop, the e-commerce platform inside the Chinese social media version of TikTok. 

For security, you should never buy a second-hand, unsealed hardware wallet in case it has been compromised. But in this case, the buyer was tricked by the packaging. It appeared to be a factory-sealed, authentic product, complete with the original holographic stickers and a professional finish. To the unassuming users, there was nothing different or alarming about this Ledger wallet. 

In this case, when the victim set up their new wallet, it functioned completely normally, generating the usual random 24-word recovery phrase. Unfortunately, investigators would eventually determine that this was the moment the wallet was compromised before it was sold. 

In reality, the attackers had already predetermined the secret phrase or compromised the process for generating numbers. This gave them complete access to the wallet and its private keys. So, when funds were transferred to the wallet, the attackers were able to drain it instantly. 

Unfortunately, the victim had deposited around 50 million Chinese yuan ($6.9 million) into the wallet address, thinking everything was secure in cold storage. However, within hours, the criminals had emptied the wallet. 

Did you know? The global hardware wallet market was valued at over $460 million in 2024, and it is predicted to grow to over $3 billion by 2033. This makes hardware wallets, which users trust heavily, a prime target for crypto theft.

SlowMist team’s crypto investigation trail

As reported on the SlowMist X account, the victim filed an emergency report regarding the theft on June 13, 2025. 

SlowMist is a blockchain security firm that offers a number of services, including security audits and threat information and works extensively in cryptocurrency crime investigations. Its work often extends to large organizations and government bodies. 

On this occasion, it was able to trace the stolen funds, revealing they were immediately funneled through Huiwang, a shadowy entity in Cambodia. This operation was using a financial network called Huione Group, which operates “a node for laundering proceeds of cyber heists,” according to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN. 

Huiwang crypto laundering is a popular financial move for criminals, as multiple layers of obfuscation, coupled with no Anti-Money Laundering (AML) or Know Your Customer (KYC) controls, make recovery virtually impossible. So, while SlowMist could track the stolen funds, there is little hope of recovery after the cold wallet key leak. 

Did you know? TikTok and similar social media platforms are hotbeds for crypto scams. The fraud ranges from fake investment opportunities, viral video scams, unsolicited messages and compromised hardware wallet sales — all designed to con unsuspecting users out of their crypto stash. 

The growing sealed wallet crypto theft problem

The cold wallet scam shows how quickly you can lose an entire crypto stash in seconds. SlowMist’s chief security officer, 23pds, explained on X that crypto users shouldn’t gamble their “entire fortune on a ‘wallet’ that’s a few hundred bucks cheaper.” He went on to say, “This isn’t saving money, it’s throwing away your lifeline.”

Incidents like these are part of a broad surge in cryptocurrency-related fraud that is plaguing 2025. The first half of the year has seen over $2.1 billion in crypto losses across infrastructure-level attacks. 

Hardware wallet manipulation is another sophisticated vulnerability that crypto holders need to be aware of. No matter how “legitimate” a wallet product may appear, this case highlights the importance of purchasing brand-new devices directly from suppliers. It’s critical to avoid other sources, especially discount or marketplace platforms. 

Security experts have also identified multiple ways criminals can compromise hardware wallets further:

  • Firmware modification: Attackers replace legitimate firmware with malicious versions that leak private keys.
  • Manual replacement: Criminals include fake setup instructions directing users to pre-generated addresses.
  • Supply chain infiltration: Wallets are intercepted and modified during shipping or retail distribution.
  • Counterfeit manufacturing: Complete fake devices that mimic legitimate hardware wallets.

Did you know? Even one of the world’s biggest crypto firms, Coinbase, is susceptible to cyberattacks, with the company recently admitting that criminals had accessed data that was used to trick people into handing over their crypto. The criminals demanded $20 million to keep it quiet, but they refused to pay and promised to refund any person who got scammed.

How to protect against hardware crypto wallet scams

With the cryptocurrency industry worth over $3 trillion, it has become an attractive target for criminals, particularly hardware wallets, where users trust these devices to store significant funds for long periods of time. 

This means users need to take precautions to buy a crypto wallet safely and protect against private key theft:

  • Packaging inconsistencies: Legitimate hardware wallet packaging uses ultrasonic welding in conjunction with tamper-proof seals. Devices held together with glue, missing exterior security packaging or preopened are major red flags.
  • Cheap pricing: Wallets sold for less than the official retail price, especially on social media platforms or through unofficial channels, are likely counterfeit or compromised.
  • Pre-filled information: Any wallet that comes with preset PINs, recovery phrases or setup instructions should be immediately destroyed.
  • Unofficial marketplaces and retailers: Purchasing from anywhere other than the manufacturer’s official website significantly increases risk.

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How Much Does It Cost to Create a DeFi Token on Solana in 2025? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-create-a-defi-token-on-solana-in-2025/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-create-a-defi-token-on-solana-in-2025/#respond Thu, 17 Jul 2025 17:02:33 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-create-a-defi-token-on-solana-in-2025/
DeFi Token on Solana

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is shaping the future of financial services through blockchain technology. Whether you are a business, entrepreneur, or investor considering the creation of a DeFi token, Solana has become a key blockchain platform thanks to its efficiency and affordability. Understanding the cost structure is crucial for planning a successful DeFi token project on Solana.

This in-depth guide explores every cost factor involved in building a DeFi token on Solana in 2025, presents a step-by-step cost breakdown, and answers common business and client questions. Toward the end, you’ll find clear suggestions and a direct link to start your journey with a trusted DeFi development partner.

Solana has earned a strong position in the DeFi sector due to its fast transaction speeds, very low fees, and a developer-friendly environment. Businesses exploring blockchain projects often prioritize a network that offers reasonable deployment costs and supports large-scale adoption. Solana ticks those boxes with its robust ecosystem, making it a prime choice for DeFi token launches

When considering a blockchain for DeFi, here are some of the top advantages of choosing Solana:

  • Transaction Speed: Solana can process up to 65,000 transactions per second (TPS), making it one of the fastest public blockchains.
  • Ultra-Low Fees: Average transaction costs are typically less than $0.01, allowing for cost-effective token creation and transfers.
  • Developer Community: There is strong support and many open-source tools to simplify development.
  • High Network Activity: Solana’s total value locked (TVL) and active application ecosystem continue to grow, showing market confidence.
  • Security and Scalability: Solana’s architecture offers security for assets and scales as demand increases.

Before diving into numbers, understanding the factors that drive costs is vital. The total expense to develop a DeFi token is a combination of various elements, including:

1. Project Complexity

  • The complexity of your desired features, tokenomics, and integration impacts resource requirements.

2. Team Composition

  • Hiring an experienced DeFi development Company brings not just technical skills but also compliance, project management, and post-launch support. They typically provide comprehensive Solana Development services, which may include consulting, advisory, design, coding, auditing, and marketing.

3. Token Utility & Design

  • Tokens with advanced economic models and use-cases (staking, governance, multi-level incentives) may require more effort in design and smart contract logic.

4. Smart Contract Development

  • Developing customized and secure smart contracts is a specialized task requiring experienced professionals.

5. Testing & Auditing

  • Rigorous testing and security audits are essential for safety and user trust. This step often accounts for a sizable portion of the expense.

6. Deployment and Network Fees

  • Though Solana’s network fees are low, they still factor into the total budget.

7. Marketing & Community Building

  • Successfully launching a DeFi token isn’t just about deployment. Community engagement and marketing activities are important and can be resource-intensive.

8. Legal & Regulatory Compliance

  • Depending on your target markets, legal expenses for documentation and reviews must be considered.

Below is a detailed, step-wise breakdown of the typical costs involved, with reference values based on 2025 market rates:

Solana is among the most cost-efficient blockchains for deploying DeFi tokens, especially when compared to Ethereum, where high gas fees can dramatically increase expenses.

Solana Development services typically provide flexible engagement models. The most common are:

  • Fixed Price Model: For well-defined, specific requirements.
  • Time and Material Model: When scope may change as the project progresses.
  • Dedicated Team Model: For ongoing projects that need constant updates, marketing, or expansion.

Prices may also vary based on developer experience, project duration, token features, and inclusion of additional services such as wallet integration, cross-chain support, or ongoing maintenance

1. Project Scoping

  • List your goals, core features, intended use-cases, and target audience.

2. Choose the Right DeFi Development Partner

  • Select a DeFi development Company with a solid track record in Solana projects. Check reviews, client feedback, and sample projects.

3. Tokenomics and Sustainable Design

  • Work with consultants to define total supply, distribution schedule, vesting periods, and utility.

4. Smart Contract Coding & Review

  • Develop the token contracts, with a focus on safety, speed, and low fees. Adopt best practices and use battle-tested libraries.

5. Security Auditing

  • Have independent firms or trusted auditors review your contracts for vulnerabilities.

6. Token Deployment

  • Launch the token on Solana. Double-check contract addresses and initial balances.

7. Community Building & Marketing

  • Develop branding, social channels, white paper, and campaigns to attract users and liquidity.

8. Ongoing Maintenance & Upgrades

  • Establish a support system for bug fixes, upgrades, and community feedback.

Example 1: Simple DeFi Utility Token for MVP

  • Project Planning: $2,000
  • Tokenomics: $2,000
  • Smart Contract: $12,000
  • Audit: $7,000
  • Deployment Fees: $200
  • Marketing: $5,000
  • Legal: $6,000
  • Total: $34,200

Example 2: Comprehensive DeFi Protocol Token

  • Project Planning: $5,000
  • Tokenomics (Complex): $9,000
  • Smart Contract Suite: $40,000
  • Audit (Multiple Rounds): $15,000
  • Deployment Fees: $500
  • Marketing & Community: $40,000
  • Legal: $18,000
  • Total: $127,500
  • Plan in Advance: Define features, scope, and compliance needs before starting development.
  • Use Community Resources: Take advantage of open-source tools and libraries within the Solana community for standard functionalities.
  • Select Efficient Development Partners: A reputable company can reduce trial-and-error and streamline your launch.
  • Prioritize Security: Allocate funds upfront for comprehensive security audits instead of facing potential losses from vulnerabilities.
  • Batch Transactions: Where possible, batch development and deployment activities to minimize transaction fees.
  • Test Thoroughly: Use Solana’s devnet for comprehensive testing before launching on the mainnet.

1. Is Solana the Most Affordable Choice for DeFi Tokens?

Solana offers one of the lowest network fees and high scalability, making it highly cost-effective compared to Ethereum and some other blockchains.

2. Can I Create a DeFi Token Without Hiring a Developer?

Technical knowledge is required for safe smart contract creation. Using a reputable Solana Development company is strongly advised to avoid pitfalls, errors, and security risks.

3. What Features Should My DeFi Token Include?

Key features may include transferability, staking, governance, compatibility with DeFi protocols, and future upgradeability. Advanced features will require higher investment in design, development, and testing.

4. How Long Does Development Take?

Development timelines vary by project scope:

  • Basic token: about 2–4 weeks
  • DeFi protocol with advanced features: 2–4 months

5. What Ongoing Costs Should I Plan For?

Budget for product updates, community management, security, audits, and possible regulatory filings.

Solana continues to be an ideal option for businesses and startups due to low costs, high throughput, and a growing support ecosystem. Developing a DeFi token on Solana in 2025 involves costs generally ranging from $30,000 to $150,000+. Choosing the right development partner can make a major difference in terms of time to market, security, and long-term growth

Do you want to create a DeFi token that stands out for reliability, scalability, and compliance? Partner with codezeros to bring your project from concept to launch. Our Solana Development services include strategy, design, coding, auditing, marketing support, and post-launch upgrades.

Contact codezeros today for expert advice and a detailed quote tailored to your business goals. Let’s take the first step toward your DeFi future.

Before you go:

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Behind the Scenes: The True Cost of MEVs for Blockchains https://earlybirdsinvest.com/behind-the-scenes-the-true-cost-of-mevs-for-blockchains/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/behind-the-scenes-the-true-cost-of-mevs-for-blockchains/#respond Sat, 21 Jun 2025 22:09:29 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/behind-the-scenes-the-true-cost-of-mevs-for-blockchains/

A new report from Flashbots has warned that Maximum Extractable Value (MEV) is quietly becoming one of the biggest roadblocks to blockchain scaling.

According to the research, rampant “spam auctions” driven by MEV searchers are systematically consuming most of the new capacity on high-throughput chains like Solana and Ethereum Layer-2s (L2s), neutralizing scaling gains and driving up user fees.

The Scale of MEV-Induced Waste

MEV, the extra profit miners or bots can extract by reordering transactions, has long been controversial. But Flashbots’ latest deep dive shows that the problem has escalated from an ethical debate to a measurable drag on blockchain performance.

Analyzing data from OP-Stack rollups like Base and Optimism mainnet, alongside findings from Solana, the Flashbots survey showed how high-frequency arbitrage bots flood networks with countless speculative transactions in search of quick profits.

According to researcher Bert Miller, bots on Solana use about 40% of its blockspace while contributing a mere 7% of total fees. Meanwhile, on Ethereum L2s like Base and OP mainnet, spam bots reportedly eat up more than half of the available gas but pay a fraction of the costs compared to legitimate users.

Miller shared one stark example on X: Between November 2024 and February 2025, Base boosted its throughput by 11 million gas per second, roughly the same as three Ethereum mainnets, only to see pretty much all of it absorbed by spam bots.

He stressed that the core issue lies in how the bots operate. Usually, private mempools, designed to shield their users from frontrunning, leave MEV searchers blind to real-time order flows. Therefore, to stay competitive, these bots tend to deploy complex transactions on-chain to probe for arbitrage, resulting in mountains of wasted computation when no profit exists.

Miller noted that one successful two-hop arbitrage may cost as much as 132 million gas in failed attempts, which is about the size of four Ethereum blocks per win.

According to him, this dynamic means that while blockchains can technically expand throughput, MEV spam creates an economic ceiling that makes raw ramping up inefficient and costly for everyone else. The Flashbots thesis called this the “dominant limit to scaling blockchains” and proposed overhauling how networks handle transaction ordering.

Path to Economic Efficiency

The research organization’s suggested fix combines “programmable privacy,” which gives searchers enough visibility to avoid spam while shielding users from predatory strategies, with explicit bidding for transaction priority. This way, it believes competition will shift from brute-force spamming to transparent, price-based auctions.

In another X post, Miller revealed that some early experiments, like using Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) to enforce bot behavior, are already live. Last year, his compatriot Angela Lu announced that Flashbots had run tests, where they embedded a bot inside a secure enclave, letting it capture arbitrage opportunities trustlessly while preventing malicious tactics like sandwich attacks.

Only recently, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao floated the idea of dark pools using zero-knowledge proof to counter the MEV menace in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. Furthermore, last year, blockchain oracle provider Chainlink introduced a solution dubbed Smart Value Recapture (SVR) that would enable DeFi apps to reclaim “non-toxic” MEV.

If refined, innovations like these could hopefully transform MEV from a hidden drain into a source of sustainable revenue for chains, while lowering fees for everyday users.

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